College Basketball
What Do Opposing Coaches Think of WVU Head Coach Ross Hodge?
It’s common for an athletic director to express why he’s excited about a coaching hire. And Wren Baker did that after announcing Ross Hodge as West Virginia’s 24th head coach in program history. It’s not as common for opposing coaches, especially those within the same conference, to praise a hire. But that happened too as part of WVU’s announcement.
Here’s what notable coaches from around the country had to say about Hodge taking over the Mountaineers:
Head Men’s Basketball Coach – Baylor
“Ross is a tremendous coach and leader of young men. He will do a terrific job at West Virginia. He is a home run hire and the Big 12 just got better.”
Head Men’s Basketball Coach – Michigan
“West Virginia is hiring one of the best young coaches in the country. Ross possesses the grittiness, emotional intelligence and humility to be successful at any level of basketball. He has won at every stop, and I can’t imagine that changing in Morgantown. I couldn’t be more excited for Ross and his family.”
Head Men’s Basketball Coach – Texas Tech
“Ross Hodge is the ultimate winner. He’s an elite basketball coach and knows how to help his teams be the best they can be on the court. The separator is his love for people and genuine relationships off the court that give him the trust required to hold his teams to a championship level. He’ll win big at West Virginia, but what I respect most is he’s an awesome husband, father and friend.”
More on Ross Hodge:
Hodge comes to WVU after two seasons as the head coach at North Texas, where he compiled a 46-23 record. He replaces Darian DeVries, who was hired away by Indianaearlier this month. WVU announced Hodge has signed a five-year contract.
“I understand the great responsibility of continuing the tradition of Mountaineer Basketball and sincerely appreciate the trust and belief of (athletic director) Wren Baker, Presidents (Gordon) Gee and (Michael) Benson and the rest of the administration,” Hodge said.
The 44-year-old Hodge spent eight total seasons at North Texas, six as the associate head coach under Grant McCasland, now Texas Tech’s head coach, and two as head coach. The Mean Green are still playing this season, competing in the NIT semifinals next Tuesday.
“We loved our time in Denton and the many meaningful relationships we established over the last eight years,” Hodge said. “We are forever grateful for the opportunity afforded to us by (UNT athletic director) Jared Mosley.”
WVU is coming off of a 19-13 season under DeVries in which the Mountaineers just missed out on earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Every member of West Virginia’s rotation has either graduated or entered the transfer portal this offseason.
“We believe we have everything we need to be successful and to challenge for Big 12 championships and look forward to competing against the best coaches and best teams in the country,” Hodge said. “Shelly, Emery, Reed and I can’t wait to meet all of you.”
For a related story, a national analyst explained why he likes Ross Hodge for WVU.
